What does self-management mean to a person just entering the workforce? For recent college grads trying to break into a rigid corporate colony with an established hierarchy, it can feel like being a serf at a feudal manor. Add a depressing economy and it could seem impossible to excel in one’s fledgling career.
How can one stay motivated in a less-than-ideal job, especially when a promotion isn’t likely, or even possible, for a long time to come?
I have been struggling with this as I do a second internship at a large, well-established publishing company in addition to a part-time retail job. Often I feel, and I am not alone, that even if I do my best work, even if I make myself indispensable to my company, things won’t change. There is too much competition, the economy is too poor, and no company is in a position to promote or create a new job for even a very exceptional person. Is the fear of being fired the only motivation necessary to do a good job? I don’t think so. Some positive goals must be in place. I have been trying to develop solutions for my “career ennui” and it hasn’t been easy. But I hope to strike upon some wisdom that will get me and others in a similar situation through the woods.
Firstly, I have been cultivating a passion for what I’m doing. Even as an intern, I take pride in dressing as well or better than others in the company. I try to maintain utmost standards of professionalism and quality of work to make myself FEEL as if I have the job I want. Luckily, I work with great supervisors who treat me with a great deal of respect and challenge me. However, at my retail job, this is not the case. I work with two other women, both over 60, who know far more because they’ve been on the job over five years. Thus nothing much is expected of me and I find myself growing listless throughout the day. After all, if I push more sales, I won’t get any commission and my boss probably won’t notice because she is never on the sales floor. So why should I? Simply because it keeps me going. For my own sanity, I need to believe that I am important and that my job matters. I struggle with this all the time, but hopefully it will become easier. There are many people right now working at jobs that are beneath their talent and education, and it’s frustrating… especially when there is no end/new beginning in sight. Let’s do our best and get creative!
